Nine Questions

Chuck Kaplan is a doctor of internal medicine in Tucson, and a member of the acoustic band Mandophilia, which has just released its first CD of original music. The group's focus is on mandolin and fiddle music with a Celtic flair. A CD-release party is planned for Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Auld Dubliner, 800 E. University Blvd.

What was the first concert you ever saw?

I went to a Yes concert in Philadelphia in 1976. Donovan opened for them.

I like to mess around with techno. I know--shocking, just shocking. The acoustic crowd officially frowns on that, but you and I know: Secretly, they love it. Techno with mandolin tracks is pretty interesting.

What band or artist changed your life, and how?

I had a musical buddy in medical school named Jim Sargent, an accomplished singer and guitar player. He talked me into playing music with him in the Park Street subway station in Boston. After that, I figured: Anything goes.

Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?

I would have to say Vassar Clements (with Jerry Garcia and David Grisman), Old and in the Way. A perfect album; every tune (is) a classic.